Stages of Faith
Submitted by Mark on December 23 2000 16:22:34
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Recently when I was going through some of my old files I ran across a summary of Fowler's Stages of Faith. I forgot where I got it and who exactly Fowler is, but I think he is a moral philosopher who studies the development of faith in people. Anyway, I thought it would be interesting if anyone had some comments on this. How accurate do you think this is? Does it agree with your experience? Is it helpful in understanding and nurturing the faith of children? Fowler's Stages of Faith Stage 1: Intuitive-Projective Faith This stage is found in pre-school children and is primarily a reflection of parental faith. What understanding the child may have of God is essentially that learned from parents. This stage is filled with fantasy, imagination, and powerful images. Stage 2: Mythic-Literal Faith This stage usually begins about age 6 and normally lasts until about 11 or 12. The child's understanding of faith is still essentially a reflection of the concepts and beliefs of others, but the circle has widened from the family to include the influence of other adults--teachers, coaches, older friends--and often older children. It is during this period that the children become aware of the many, often confusing interpretations of faith. Stage 2 adults are those whose faith is straightforward and often quite literalistic. They usually have a strong sense of the authority of the biblical narratives and religious tradition. They often find the fullest expression of their faith in those churches that emphasize a more literal interpretation of scripture. When involved in discussions about matters of faith with friends holding different perspectives, they often are frustrated because they feel that person does not see the true faith, and they can exert a good bit of energy trying to convince and convert. Stage 3: Synthetic-Conventional Faith Usually this stage appears in adolescence, but is also highly visible in adulthood. Agreement and conformity are paramount; what is important, even in matters of faith, is the approval of peers. The security of a community of like believers provides the context of faith that is vital. Among adults this stage is the one most commonly found among church members. One's faith is described by saying something like "We believe..." It places a strong emphasis on those creeds and doctrines and traditions that are the expected norms for membership in that particular group. Stage 4: Individuative-Reflective Faith This stage often occurs in later teen years or young adulthood. It may take bizarre forms for a while, such as participation in cult movements or even expressions of atheism, but these are a part of a process of finding one's own faith. For most of us, however, it is not permanent, but a necessary transition in the process of maturing spiritually. Many people in their middle years also find themselves in this stage. Unfortunately, when going through this stage frequently the established church and its leaders discourage questioning faith issues. Because of this many at this stage opt out of the established church and look for alternative ways and places to develop spiritually. Stage 5: Conjunctive Faith This stage seldom appears before age 30, since maturity is a major ingredient in its development. It draws together several strands of the individuals' faith journey--family upbringing, previous religious affiliation (if any), and the influences of education, social context, and lifestyle upon them. Ones' faith expression is clearly one's own. It is an "owned" faith. One of the most significant aspects of stage 5 persons is the ability to see perspectives other than their own. Persons in stage 5 are able to identify with people of different races, socio-economic status, or ideological conviction. They find meaning and fulfillment in cross-cultural experiences. These persons have discovered a dimension of faith expression that is truly their own. It may not necessarily deviate from traditional experiences of faith, but the person has come to this point by his or her own choice, and not the pressures of others. This stage has an infinite variety of expressions. Stage 6: Universalizing Faith The stage is often the most difficult to understand. Fowler refers to it as being "at best a kind of abstract poetry." About 1 to 2% of the population fall into this category and they are persons whose faith is more than beliefs or even a way of life, but is one of total commitment to the ongoing, guiding presence of God. Some familiar names who represnet this stage are Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa, Dag Hammarskjold, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Thomas Merton. |
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